Enterprise & partnerships

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Synopsis

This unit takes the knowledge, skills and capabilities developed in previous units of the course and uses these elements to examine contemporary STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) settings. A small STEM practice placement will be undertaken. This practical experience provides students with an opportunity to engage as a learner in order to explore how as educators they may provide similar opportunities for authentic STEM learning experiences for others. The notion of what constitutes an authentic STEM learning experience is explored and examined. STEM education relies on the communication of STEM knowledge, processes and interaction to others and this unit provides a frame for interrogating these different communication strategies. Authentic experiences also need to be relevant to the learner, therefore what makes an experience relevant is critically examined. Additionally STEM skills, particularly creative and critical thinking, are important components of innovation and entrepreneurship. The opportunities for authentic STEM experience to provide these learning opportunities is also considered.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit students should be able to:

articulate how they have extended their current knowledge, skills and abilities needed as a STEM educator

demonstrate an understanding of the contemporary practices of STEM and how such practices help us to respond to changing technological and social change

demonstrate the connections between understandings of STEM practices and educational practices

utilise enhanced research and leadership skills to develop sustainable action plans for the engagement of learners in STEM education.